By Shahzad Raza
MUSCAT: Oman Women’s Cricket Team opened its UK tour with a thrilling 5-wicket win over hosts Wanstead CC in the first T20 game at Wanstead Cricket round in London.
Deciding to field first after winning the toss, Oman kept things tight from the word go, restricting Wanstead to 120 for 2 in 20 overs. Oman bowler Shajina Rajesh broked the opening stand of 80 runs when she dismissed Saba for 31. The other opener Zainab Khan was then run out by Fiza Javed when she was batting well at 38 off 34.
Mindful of the trying local conditions, Oman got off to a cautious start before losing some quick wickets and was struggling at 78 for 5 before an unbroken 44-run sixth wicket partnership between Saya Channa (18 off 13) and Fiza Javed (15 off 8) guided them to an exciting last-over victory. Opener Jayadhanya Gunasekar topscored with a patient 23 off 43.
Brief scores: Wanstead Cricket Club 120 for 2 in 20 overs (Zainab Khan 38 – 4×4, Saba 34 – 4x4Marian Hassan 22 not out – 2×4. Shajina Rajesh 1-17) lost to Oman Women’s Team 122 for 5 in 19.4 overs (Jayadhanya Gunasekar 23 – 1×4, Saya Channa 18 not out – 3×4, Fiza Javed 15 not out – 2×4, Vaishali Jesrani 12. Zainab Khan 1-12) by 5 wickets.